4 Letter Boy Names

Guss is a brief, punchy masculine name that typically functions as a nickname for names like Augustus, Gustave, or Angus. This shortened form carries a folksy, unpretentious charm with its single-syllable directness. The name has historical usage particularly in rural American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where abbreviated names were common. Guss has never achieved mainstream popularity as a standalone name, remaining instead in the realm of familiar nicknames or occasional given names. Its simplicity gives it a certain working-class authenticity and straightforward appeal. For contemporary parents, Guss might be chosen for its vintage feel and connection to longer, more formal names, while still maintaining an independent character of approachable masculinity.

Guss

Wong is a common romanization of the pinyin Chinese family names Huang and Wang, as well as rarer surnames such as Heng and Hong.

Wong

This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.
 Duff (born Michael) McKagan gained fame as a member of Guns 'N' Roses. Popular actress Hilary Duff is giving the surname a lot of attention.

Duff

Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word name among English speakers, akin to Destiny, Chance, Blessing, and Chosen. Around six boys are given the name Fate each year in the US, though 2023 saw it rise a little, with ten babies receiving the name.

Fate

Monty Burns, on The Simpsons, smashed to pieces any goodwill for his first name leftover from Monty Python. But if you drop the "y," you're left with a distinctly Gallic sounding nickname name. If it feels to slight for the birth certificate, there are tons of ways to get to it as a nickname: Montgomery, Montana, Montreal, even Montmorency.

Mont

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah.
 
Lige Conley, born Elijah Crommie, was an American silent film actor.

Lige

The Dutch answer to Gus. Pronounce it like the English word and you have a <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/643/names-that-mean-aire">name that means air</a>.

Gust

A sailing and sea-related choice, which also feels connected to the reparative powers of nature (via dock leaves) and to doctors generally, Dock made the Top 1000 in the first half of the 20th century, though today, it is only quietly and sporadically used. 
 
Similar in vibe to Mack, Jack, and Rocky, it could make a cool nickname for Donovan, Duncan, Frederick, Theodoric, Roderick, or Benedict.

Dock

Cool, musical modern choice, especially as a middle name. 

Drum

Dowe is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of the surname Dow, which has Scottish origins as a shortened form of 'MacDuff' or 'son of David'. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Frisian name Douwe, popular in the Netherlands, which derives from the Germanic element 'dub' meaning 'dove', symbolizing peace. Dowe has remained relatively rare throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its brevity and soft sound make it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor short, simple names. The name carries a gentle yet dignified character, with connections to both avian symbolism (the dove) and noble Scottish heritage.

Dowe

Subtle but clear unisex way to signal peace, especially in middle place. 

Dove

A possible last-name-first name represented by former first baseman Chris Sabo.

Sabo

Knud is a traditional Scandinavian masculine name, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. It's a variant of Canute or Knut, derived from the Old Norse name Knútr, meaning "knot." The name carries royal significance as it was borne by several kings of Denmark and England, most notably King Canute the Great who ruled in the 11th century. Historically, the name symbolized strength and tied relationships. While its popularity has fluctuated over centuries, Knud experienced a revival in Denmark during the 20th century but has become less common for newborns in recent decades. The name maintains a strong Nordic identity and conveys a sense of heritage and tradition. Its simple, strong sound and historical associations make it appealing to those connected to Scandinavian culture.

Knud

Leal is a masculine name with Latin and Portuguese origins, primarily meaning 'loyal' or 'faithful.' In Portuguese and Spanish cultures, it has traditionally been used as a surname representing these honorable qualities. As a given name, Leal carries connotations of trustworthiness, honor, and steadfastness. The name has an appealing simplicity with its short, one-syllable pronunciation, though in some languages it may be pronounced with two syllables (lay-AL). While uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, Leal has seen modest usage in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions. The name's straightforward meaning and cross-cultural appeal make it an understated choice for parents seeking a name that embodies virtue and character while remaining distinctive and somewhat unusual.

Leal

Association with the Irish singer-activist and the good things conjured up by the syllable 'bon', could inspire some parents to consider this name.

Bono

An energetic African name with a stylish o ending.

Kito

Dubi is a masculine name with several possible origins. In Hebrew, it can be related to 'dov' or 'dub' meaning 'bear,' symbolizing strength and courage. The name might also have African roots in certain cultures. Dubi is characterized by its brevity and simplicity, with just two syllables that are easily pronounced across various languages. As a name, it remains quite rare in Western countries, though it may be more familiar in Jewish communities or regions where Hebrew names are common. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds while still maintaining masculine associations through its meaning. Its uncommon nature makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or remember.

Dubi

A place name from Venezuela believed to come from an indigenous word for wind, this can make an innovative choice for a child of either sex.

Coro

Dufy is an uncommon masculine name that may have several possible origins. It could be a variant spelling of Duffy, an Irish surname derived from 'Ó Dubhthaigh' meaning 'descendant of Dubhthach' (black one). Alternatively, some may choose this spelling in reference to the French artist Raoul Dufy. The simplified spelling gives the name a modern, streamlined quality. As a first name, Dufy remains quite rare across all English-speaking countries, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something truly uncommon. The name has a light, approachable sound despite its brevity, with a playful yet sophisticated quality.

Dufy

Ding is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese culture, it's a surname and given name meaning 'strong' or 'steady' (丁), representing the fourth Heavenly Stem in Chinese cosmology. As a given name in Western contexts, Ding is extremely rare and might be used as a nickname or diminutive form. In some European contexts, particularly Germanic languages, it might have evolved as a shortened form of names containing '-ding' elements. The name's brevity gives it a distinct, memorable quality despite its simplicity. While uncommon as a first name in most Western countries, Ding maintains cultural significance in Chinese communities worldwide, where it represents stability and strength.

Ding

Four letter boy names have topped the popularity list for several years now, with Liam taking over for longtime favorite Noah.

 boys' names with four letters in the US Top 100

 include Levi, Ryan, Ezra, Owen, Luke, Jack, Evan, Axel, Jace, and Jose.



John and its short form Jack, two of the top male names of all time, both have four letters. Other

 include Abel, Adam, Amos, Carl, Eric, Mark, and Paul.

 on our recommended list include Beau, Cove, Elio, Ford, Hart, Huck, Land, Nico, Otis, Pike, Rafi, and Shaw.



View our entire list of boy names with four letters here, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Four letter boy names including meaning, origin, and popularity, with top four letter boy names Noah and Jack and unique four letter names for boys (Page 115)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names